Tuesday 1 April 2014

Children-Friendly Holidays in Normandy

Posted by Rosie

Whilst children love haring around in around in our play area and parents love relaxing in the garden you can't really come to Normandy and not see some of our fantastic attractions can you?  There is a comprehensive tourist information pack in the gite but to save you having to trawl through everything, I thought I would help you out with a few of our most local attractions and things to do, with an emphasis on those which are particularly suitable for younger children.

Festyland

Festyland


This is our local theme park about 45 minutes away on the edge of Caen.  It is ideal for children of all ages with a good range of rides for toddlers, young and older children.  It may not be as big as Disneyland but you will hardly have to queue meaning you'll fit in loads during your visit.

Girafou Soft play Area


In case the weather does turn wet this soft play area in Caen will allow youngsters to run off some energy whilst they wait for the sun to come out again.

Miniaiture Railway at Clécy


Thomas fans will delight at this wonderful working model railway just 15 minutes from us.  And afterwards you can enjoy an ice cream on the river front at Clécy and watch older children and adults kayak down the river or take younger children on a pedalo or little motor boat.


Zoo de Jurques

Zoo de Jurques


What child doesn't like a zoo and Zoo de Jurques is just a short 20minute drive away from Eco-Gites.  It has plenty of shade so makes a good trip out if the weather is hot.  As well as the animals there are plenty of keeper led feeding times as well as meet the snakes ... if you dare.  The restaurant area has recently been refurbished and we can vouch for how good their chips are!

Local swimming pools


Many of the local towns have swimming pools and virtually all have a baby pool as well as a shallow pool and "big" pool. At Condé-sur-Noirea just 20 minutes away the roof is rolled back from the indoor pool in hot weather and at Thury Harcourt, also 20 minutes away you can sunbathe on loungers in the garden area.



Beaches

Child Friendly Beach at Ouistreham

We are an hour away from Normandy's wonderful sandy beaches which stretch for mile upon mile. The sea is shallow and calm, many of the beaches have life guards in the summer and if you are looking to save some money there are not many beach-front shops so your children will not be nagging you to buy all sorts of things the moment you arrive.  Get there before lunchtime and you may well find the beaches almost deserted.

Falaise Castle


1066 and all that.  Falaise is the birthplace of William the Conqueror and has been rebuilt over the last 100 years to something close to it's original form.  New interactive displays using tablets supplied for you make this a very exciting visit for children of all ages and their accompanying adults.  There are plenty of towers to climb and everyone can imagine what it would have been like fight a marauding dragon or be a damsel in need of rescue!

Château de Vendeuvre 


So the the house and museum may not be of great interest to younger visitors but the gardens are sure to be a hit - there is a maze, a grotto a surprise water garden and lots of space to run and let off steam.  We've not been yet (it's on our list for this year) but lots of our guests have and all have come back saying it is lovely there. 

Quiet country lanes

The Countryside


You cannot come to Normandy and not be enthralled by it's beautiful countryside.  Rolling hills, steams and rivers, woods and lakes, quiet country laves as well as delightful hidden villages just waiting for you to stumble upon them.  You can take a stroll with your family straight from our back gate along a huge network of footpaths and let little (and older) ones discover the beauties for themselves. Say hello to a gentle Normandy cow, dip your toes in a shallow stream or relax under a tree and make daisy chains.  





This is just a quick selection of the most popular things to do and see.  It is far from an exhaustive list.  Have you visited this part of Normandy?  Do you have any recommendations of children friendly attractions to visit or things to do?   Please do let us know in the comments.

Linking up with Ket Kids be Kids to see what else children have been up to this week and Travel Tuesday which is all about, well all about Travel!  If you have time make a cuppa and have a read of some of these lovely blogs.



Travel Tuesday

My Travel Monkey

15 comments :

  1. Its gloomy in here today and my mind just want to go out and travel to somewhere sunny so your pictures helps me in my imaginary escape #letkidsbekids

    ReplyDelete
  2. Some great places to visit. The sub is shining here today, I really hope we can get out and about with the children next week when the Easter Holidays start!
    #Letkidsbekids

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do think of our boys - their holidays don't start until April 26th! Enjoy yours :)

      Delete
  3. It looks amazing. I love the look of that beach, my kids would have a fab time. Lots for kids to do there, they won't get bored.
    Thanks for linking #LetKdsBeKids

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right - getting bored just isn't an option here.

      Delete
  4. Great info if we ever hop over the English Channel!! Maybe one day!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looks so lovely, the type of holiday we would choose for our outdoor family. It can be such a worry when choosing a holiday destination when you have a family. You want to have lots of plan b's in case on thing goes wrong like the weather. Great photographs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was one of the reasons we chose this area as there is so much to do in all weathers and all seasons.

      Delete
  6. You always make me wanting to pack my back pack and set out. :)

    #letkidsbekids

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww - thank you. Maybe one day you will come and visit us then!

      Delete
  7. This definitely made me want to pack my bags and travel. I love travelling. Going to the west coast of america in July for two months can't wait. This just got me all excited again. Great post thanks for sharing. #letkidsbekids

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I reckon you should make France your next destination ;)

      Delete
  8. Love that crocodile? on the water ride - loving that the queues are small!

    ReplyDelete

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.